| Notes |
- From Richard Weiss, correspondent, note of 8 January 2020
Thomas Winslow Sprague
1839-1923
The Early Years
On October 31st, 1839 a blue-eyed, brown-haired, fair skinned baby boy was born in a home on Bear Hill Road just outside of Dover village in Maine. His parents named him Thomas Winslow Sprague after his paternal uncle. Thomas was the oldest of four children, all sons, born to Jacob S. Sprague and Harriett Barrow Sprague.
He was the sixth great grandson of a Mayflower Passenger, Richard Warren, and three of his great grandfathers, Jacob Sprague (1737-1777), Samuel Griffin (1872-1797), and Ephraim Barrows (1762-1839) fought in the Revolutionary War. Jacob Sprague was a privateer captured by the British and incarcerated in the horrific and inhumane prison ships moored in Halifax, British Territory, now Canada, where he died, most likely of a combination of starvation, disease, and exposure.
In the spring of 1863 Thomas traveled approximately 1,600 miles west to visit a friend in Princeton, Minnesota, the northwestern frontier of the U.S and Indian territory. The Indian Uprising of 1862 which started the U.S.-Dakota War, had just occurred. The trip would have taken 25 to 30 days. Who the friend Thomas was going to see is unknown. He would never return to Maine.
The Military Years
Shortly after arriving in Princeton, MN, Thomas volunteered on July 15th, 1863 and was enrolled (enlisted) on July 23rd, 1863 as a private into Hatch's Battalion of Independent Minnesota Cavalry. Thomas reported for duty on August 10th, 1863 at Fort Snelling where he received a $25 reporting bonus and was assigned to Company B. He also was promoted to sergeant that same day.
He would serve at Camp Hatch, Camp Sibley, Camp Rice, Pembina, Dakota Territory (D.T.) - now North Dakota, Fort Abercrombie D.T, Twin Lakes Stockade, D.T. Old Crossing, MN, Alexandria MN Stockade, and Fort Snelling, MN.
Particular service experiences of interest:
The march from Fort Snelling to Pembina in the fall and winter of 1863 was horrendous with windy, rainy and snowy conditions, temperatures often well below zero with the men and animals going hungry due to failure of supplies to arrive at locations along the path. Over 250 animals would die on the march.
Engagement of a group of Sioux camped near St. Jospeh D.T. - now Wahalla N.D.
Embarked onboard the steamer "Independence" and traveled downstream -south - to Goose Rapids /Froy Point enroute to Fort Abercrombie, D.T. on May 5th, 1863.
Thomas' medical record indicates he was sick January, February, April, May, August, and October 1864. His illness in Oct was severe enough this time that he was relieved of duty from Oct 2nd to 10th.
Deployed to and built the Twin Lakes Stockade in November and December 1864 .
Deployed Old Crossing during May and June of 1865.
Promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant on July 10th, 1865.
Deployed Alexandria, MN Stockade in April and May 1866.
Muster out (discharged) from service at Fort Snelling on June 9th, 1866.
From July 15th, 1863 to June 9th, 1866, Thomas had served 2 years, 10 months, and 26 days in the Army, been promoted twice, and "deployed" three times.
At 5' 10 ½" tall, 26 year old blue-eyed Thomas was gregarious, liked to socialize, and dress nicely. During his final deployment to the Alexandria stockade, Thomas met Caroline Mary Cook. Twenty two year old Caroline, and the rest of her family were pioneer settlers of Alexandria. Caroline and her parents had recently returned after evacuating to White Bear near St. Paul as a result of the Indian Uprising of 1862.
Caroline was born in London, England in 1844. Her father was in the furs and silks business and her mother, who was noted to be exceptionally beautiful, was related to Benjamin Franklin. In 1853, when she was nine years old, Caroline and her family left London and sailed to New York City before moving to Montreal, then Toronto and finally settling Alexandria in 1859.
The Family Years
Thomas and Caroline, or Carrie as she was commonly known amoungst family and friends, became engaged while Thomas was deployed to Alexandria. Their engagment lasted across the summer of 1866.
Thomas immediately returned to Alexandria and was appointed as Alexandria's assessor on June 15th, 1866 when both Douglas County and Alexandria were formally established.
Carrie was an Episcopalian and being married in an Episcople Church was very important to her. In September 1866 the happy couple traveled by stage to St. Cloud, MN where the closest Episcople church to Alexandria was located. Thomas and Carrie were married by Rev. George Stewart on Sept 19th, 1866 with Rev. J Clark and Mr. John H. Kelly witnessing. What Thomas' religious leanings were is unknown.
Thomas and Carrie set up their first home in Holmes City, MN as some of the original settlers of the township when it was established on October 4th, 1866. Thomas was elected as the town clerk at the time that Holmes City was formally established.
Thomas co-owned a general store with Louis Mendelhson whom he came to dislike.
Daughter Caroline Harriett "Hattie" Sprague born July 10th, 1867. Thomas sold out his stake in the shop to E. G. Holmes and the little family moved near Lake Mary where they tried farming for two years.
Thomas ran for and was elected as Douglas County Treasurer on the Republican ticket, serving three consecutive two (2) year terms from March 1st 1869 to February 28th, 1875.
Son Harry Winslow Sprauge was born August 8th, 1869. Thomas and his family returned to Alexandria, most likely in the summer of 1870. Thomas and Carrie conducted real estate transactions as indiviuals and not as a couple.
Thomas opened and operated a livery and stage on the block 87 lots, facing H Street between 6th and 7th Avenue with a partner named Hammond or Hammon. He bought, sold, and raced horses and ran a stage line from Alexandria to Benson, MN. Bob Torrence helped him run the livery.
Daughter Edith Mary Sprague born August 6th, 1871.
Thomas' brother Bela Tower Sprague visited Thomas and his family in 1871 and again 1872, staying several months each time.
Father Jacob Sprague died suddenly and unexpectedly December 8th, 1871 with a grandchild on his knee. Thomas was listed as Esq (Esquire) in the newspaper notice of his father's death.
Son Elmer Clarence Sprauge was born April 7th,1874.
Helped establish the Douglas County Agricultural Association in 1874.
In March 1875, when he turns over to the new Treasurer, an audit of county funds shows a $10,000 shortfall. Thomas wrote a check to cover the the shortfall. The check bounced and his property was seized to resolve the debt. This appears to all have occurred outside of the court system.
Thomas become a traveling sales man. Thomas sold argricultural machines for the Stoughton Wagon Co. of Stoughton, WI. His territory covered most of Minnesota, northern Iowa, and both Dakota's. He also was an agent in Alexandria for the American Express company and sold sewing machines.
Son Arthur Franklin "Frank" Sprague was born March 28th, 1876, his middle name coming from his maternal grandmother's maiden name.
The 1875 Minnesota Census indicates the Sprague's were living in Ida Township in the LaGrand section vice Alexandria.
By 1880, Carrie had purchased a house on Lot 1 Section 27 at the corner of C Street -now Cedar Street - and 9th Avenue.
Son Charles "Charlie" Cook Sprague born January 10th, 1879, named after his maternal grandfather, was born. Carrie was deathly ill following the birth of Charles and took a long time to recover.
Thomas had been coming home from the road about once a month. Carrie had learned that Thomas may have been "trifling with other women" while on the road and "reproached him". Thomas "got his dignity up", stated that a large family was a "disgrace and a burden on him." He went so far as to state the he would "rather lose an arm than have another child". Thomas later wrote a letter to Carrie stating they were now separated, to which Carrie objected. Sadly, Carrie's accusations that Thomas was involved with other women were true. Thomas later admitted to his son Frank the Carrie had grounds for divorce.
Thomas appears to have deserted his family about October of 1879, six months after Charles was born. Thomas himself would state on a military pension request form that he lived in Alexandria in 1879 and Austin, MN in 1880.
On His Own in Minnesota
Exactly where Thomas was living after he deserted his family in October 1879 is not clear though he seemed to move around a lot. On his pension request of 1904, he stated that he was living in Austin, MN from 1880 to 1904. However, Carrie's and Hattie's later testimony indicated that for a time Thomas lived in St. Cloud with Thora Torrence. Thora was the wife or former wife of Bob Torrence who worked in the livery Thomas owned in the early 1870s.
On July 21st, 1880, his mother Harriett Barrows Sprague died.
On May 19th, 1881, the Douglas County News notes that Thomas was visiting his family an that he was coming from Fargo, D.T.
He is listed as part of the family with Carrie and the children in Alexandria in the 1880 U.S. Census and 1885 Minnesota census.
On January 20th, 1886 daughter Edith Mary died of consumption (tuberculosis). Thomas attended Edith Mary's funeral and stayed for one month. He did not resume his marital relations with Carrie.
He is listed as living on his own in Alexandria in the 1890 U.S. Census.
Just like there are questions about Thomas' domicile from 1880 to 1890, so too are there questions about the perceived nature of his separation from Carrie and his family during the same time frame. Both Thomas and Carrie have provided conflicting dates for when the separation started – in 1879 after Charles was born, in 1886 after Edith's funeral, or 1890 - and conflicting perspectives – a clear and decisive break with no return or a slow fading away with longer and longer absences until nothing exists. Thomas was still being listed with the family in censuses. And sometime in the mid-1880s, he made the statement that he would never come home if Hattie married William Hill. The census listings and newspaper articles show Thomas hadn't gone far and Thomas' statement indicates that an ongoing interaction with the family, possibly about ending the separation, may have been occurring.
It appears that after separating around October of 1879, Thomas would visit once every two or three months. He would stay only one night each visit. He kept this up till shortly after Edith's death in 1886 after which when he visited two times about six months apart and then ceased visiting till 1897 when he returned for Charles' funeral and explain Carrie's statement that "he didn't come home for 10 years".
On July 3rd 1896, son Charles Cook Sprague died unexpectedly of an undefined stomach illness. Thomas returned to attend Charlie's funeral. He would stay for only one night nor would he and Carrie resume their marital relations. After this visit, the family would lose track of Thomas for almost seven years.
With the pro-bono help of the offices of the Adjutant General of Minnesota, Thomas filed for an Invalid (disability) Pension on May 23rd, 1904 under pension claim number 1317226 and listed his place of residence as Austin, Mower Co. MN. As part of this disability claim, Thomas stated that he was suffering from a rupture, bronchial trouble, and age. A later medical evaluation indicates an inguinal hernia – or rupture - on his right side, chronic orchitis which enlarged his right testicle to twice the normal size, chronic bronchitis, no rheumatism, a sound heart with no hypertension, "quiet in his actions and movements" – he didn't shake - and had no avaricious habits – he wasn't a drunk or had socially unacceptable behaviors for the time - and no senility. Of note in his application Thomas listed Caroline as his wife.
From the time of his desertion in 1879 till about 1905 Thomas would occasionally send remittances to Carrie in order to help support her and the children. Exactly when and why he stopped sending Carrie support is another area that lacks clarity. It roughly coincides with Carrie's move to Tacoma, Washington in 1903 his application for a military Invalid Pension, and his move to the West Coast.
The West Coast Years
Between July and December 1904, Thomas moved to the west coast, possibly moving first to Portland, OR before arriving in the Walnut Creek, CA area by December 1904 when he filed a notice of his new address with the Pension Bureau.
His Invalid Pension was approved on March 13th, 1905 listing him as "partially invalid" and granting him a payment of $6.00 per month. The pension number was also changed to 1105500 and the servicing office changed to the San Francisco.
On June 26th, 1905 with the help of Attorneys Tierney & Co. out of Washington DC, Thomas filed to have his level of disability increase adding rheumatism and restating the hernia on his list of ailments. After an exam by a doctor, on October 1st, 1905, his rate was increased to $8.00 per month effective October 18th, 1905.
Thomas would reconnect with his family by accident. His son Arthur Franklin "Frank" bumped into Thomas on the streets of Oakland in 1905. Thomas had moved and was now living in a little hotel. He was working as a salesman selling wagons and buggies at the Kiel & Evan's Buggy Company.
Thomas was in the San Francisco Bay area for the earthquake of 1806.
Thomas applied for a further increase to his disability payments on March 5th, 1907. On March 29th, 1907, Thomas application was approved for an increase to $12 per month. His residence is listed as Oakland, CA.
The Keil & Evans Buggy Co. had moved to the SE Corner of 4th Avenue and Franklin Street by 1906 and Thomas was living in the building where he worked. The 1908 Oakland City Directory lists Thomas' occupation as floor manager and the 1909 City Directly listed him as a watchman.
Thomas registered to vote in 1908 as a Democrat with an address of 4th and Franklin.
He again applied for an increase to his disability payments on November 1st, 1909 on "account of old age". His application was approved for an increase to $12 per month on November 17th, 1909 backdated to November 8th, 1909. His address is the corner of 4th Avenue and Franklin Street in Oakland, CA indicating he was still living and working at Keil & Evans. He had worked for them for about five years.
Sometime after filing his increase request in 1909, Thomas moved to a little ranch two miles outside of Cloverdale, Sonoma Co., CA. Frank would later testify that Thomas moved in 1907 but Thomas' pension filing, voter registration records, city directories, and obituary prove he moved between 1909 and 1912, most likely in 1909 or 1910.
In Cloverdale, Thomas lived by himself and raised chickens. Frank would occasionally visit and bring him supplies. Where his home was located in Cloverdale is unknown.
Thomas again applied for a pension increase on May 28th, 1912 listing his mailing address as Cloverdale, CA. His request was approved in February 1913, raising the amount to $24 per month effective June 3rd, 1912, worth about $635 in late 2019.
In 1912, Thomas registered to vote as a Democrat in Cloverdale No. 2 Precinct.
His brother Charles August Sprague died November 6th, 1913. Thomas receives $500 from the estate.
Sometime between June 1912 and his birthday on October 31st, 1914, Thomas moved to Rt 4 Box 21, Santa Rosa, CA Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co. CA where he continued to live alone in a shack– "batchin'" as both Carrie and his granddaughter Blanche called it - and raising chickens at his White Cabin Hatchery.
The Hon. Knute Nelson, U.S. Senator from Minnesota, intervened on Thomas' behalf in 1914. Another pension increase to $30 per month was granted on March 25th, 1915 effective October 31st, 1914.
On January 4th, 1915, Thomas requested a replacement pension certificate. On the response form he filled out on March 26th, 1915 to obtain his new certificate he stated that he had been separated from Carrie for 25 years but there was no divorce.
In July 1915 Carrie applied for and was granted 50% of Thomas' military pension. Thomas was aware of Carrie's pending claim because he told Frank that he did not object to Carrie receiving this benefit and that he still thought highly of her.
Thomas moved to Graton, CA in 1916 and moved back to Santa Rosa in 1917.
On Monday April 2nd, 1917, Thomas returned to Cloverdale for a visit. Who he was visiting is unknown.
In 1918, Thomas registered to vote as a Democrat in the Lewis Precinct, Rt 5 Santa Rosa, CA.
His son Frank and granddaughter Blanche Mildred Hill Hardy visited Thomas in Santa Rosa in September 1918. Thomas was working as a night watchman for a fruit preservation company.
Thomas registering to vote as a Democrat in 1920 and 1922 elections, still voting in the Lewis Precinct. His address was listed as Rt 5 Box 55 Santa Rosa, CA and his occupation was farmer.
Rt 5 Box 55 became 700 Carr Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. Thomas owned the property free and clear. He sold out his property and chicken farm then spent several months with Frank at his home on 930 Van Hess Ave in San Francisco before entering the Disabled Volunteer Soldiers U.S. National Home in Sawtelle, CA on October 28th, 1922. His occupation when he was admitted was listed as salesman.
Thomas caught the flu and pneumonia in March 1923. As the end of Thomas' life approached during this final illness, Frank and Blanche were making arrangements to take Carrie to see Thomas one last time.
Sadly, Thomas died March 8th, 1923 before the reunion with Carrie could occur. Just before he died, he told the staff at Sawtelle that he had a wife and that she was his next of kin.
Thomas was buried in the Los Angeles National Cemetery in section 44, row B, plot 6 on March 12th, 1923. His son Frank attended his funeral but Carrie, his daughter Hattie, granddaughter Blanche, and two-year-old great granddaughter Pat Hardy did not attend. Whether his other sons or family attended his funeral is unknown.
At the time of his death Thomas and Carrie had six children – four living, nine grandchildren – eight living, and three great grandchildren – all living.
Thomas designated J.T. Summers as the executor of his estate. They had previously worked together in Minnesota though what business concerns they had going are unknown. Thomas left Carrie one dollar and split the rest of his estate between his surviving children.
Thomas and Carrie's progeny continue to grow, totaling 76 descendants known as of January 2020, almost 100 years after his death.
References – Grouped by Type
Vital Records
Dover, Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, Maine. Records of Births and Deaths in the Town of Dover, 1792– 1854. Volume 1, p. 21 and 89.
Stearns County, Minnesota, Clerk of the District Court. Marriage Records, 1865-1867, marriage license for Thomas Winslow Sprague and Caroline Cook, 19 SEP 1866. St. Cloud, Douglas County, Minnesota, Volume B, p. 262
Census
1850 U.S. Census (population schedule). Dover, Piscataquis, Maine, Page 586. Roll: M432_267; Page: 293B; Image: 234. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019 1860 U.S. Census (population schedule). Foxcroft, Piscataquis, Maine, Page 37. Roll: M653_433; Page: 793; Image: 37; Family History Library Film: 803433. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019
1870 U.S. Census (population schedule). Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, Page 4. Roll: T132_3; Page: 964; Image: 245770; Family History Library Film: 830423. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019 1875 Minnesota State Census, 1875 (population schedule), Ida Township, La Grand Section, Douglas County, Minnesota, sheet 1 (page 499) http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database
1880 U.S. Census (population schedule). Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, Page 6, Supervisor District 2, Enumeration District 14. Roll: 618; Family History Film: 1254618; Page: 484B; Image: 0654. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019
1885 Minnesota State Census, 1885 (population schedule), Alexandria Village, Douglas County, Minnesota, sheet 1.
1890 U.S. Census (special schedule). Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, and Widows, etc., Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, ED 103, sheet 1. Series Number: M123. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019
1900 U.S. Census (population schedule). Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, Sheet 2, Supervisor District 134, Enumeration District 30. Roll: 762; Page: 2B; FHL microfilm: 1240762. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019
1920 U.S. Census (population schedule). Santa Rosa, Sonoma, California, Page 9B, Supervisor District 1, Enumeration District 3. Roll: T625_151; Page: 9B; Image: 257. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed NOV 2019
Histories
Sprague, John Francis. Sprague's Journal of Maine History. Published: John Francis Sprague, Dover, ME, June 1916 p.74, 78, 80-81
Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A History and Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts. pp. 109– 110 and 126.
Gilman, Rhonda R., Gilman, Carolyn, and Stultz, Deborah M. The Red River Trails 1820-1870: Oxcart Routes between St. Paul and the Selkirk Settlement. Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1979, p. 2, 9, 14, 19, 20, 34, 41, 42, 58, 59, 73, 69-71, 73, 75, 81, 150, 151, and 347
Larson, Constance. History of Grant and Douglas Counties, Their People, Industries, and Institutions. B.F. Bowen & Company, 1916, Volume 1 p. 127, 153, 165, 174, 175, 178, 202, 262, 267, 347, 348
Swanson, Duane P. 1862: Before and Beyond. Minnesota Historical Society. Quarterly of Minnesota Historical Society, Winter 2011-2012, 62nd Ed, Page 8.
Military Histories
Minnesota Board of Commissioners. Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars, 1861-1865. Pioneer Press Company, 1890 -1893, p. 594 - 601. Major C.W. Nash's Narrative of Hatch's Independent Battalion of Calvary
Historical Data Systems, Inc. U.S., American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866 [database on-line]. Hatch's Cavalry Battalion Minnesota. Regimental History. <https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/18300972?h=644e64&utm_campaign=bandido-webparts&utm_source=post-share-modal&utm_medium=copy-url>
Babcock, Willoughby M. Minnesota's Frontier: A Neglected Sector of the Civil War Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota History Magazine, undated, p. 284, 286
Johnson, Roy and Pfaller, Louis. Visit to Twin Lakes D.T. Stockade. 13 MAY 1951 Roy Johnson and Louis Pfaller Collection: 1867-1975 Collection Number: 10691 Box: 19. Description of the Twin Lakes Stockade and location
Thomas W. Sprague Military Records
United States Army. Volunteer Enlistment Form. 15 JUL 1863. P. 1 and 2
United States Army. Thomas W Sprague Compiled Military Service Record compiled [19 AUG 1891]. Hatch's Indpt. Cav. Batt'n Minn Company Muster-in Roll, cards 12019858, 12019948, 12020423, 12020553, 12020636, 12020736, 12020832, 12020934, 12021036, 12021137, 12021137, 12021240, 12021137, 12021428, 12021519, and Muster Out Roll, 10 AUG 1863-09 JUN 1866.
Minnesota Adjutant General. Civil War muster rolls, 1861-1865. Hatch's Battalion of Minnesota Calvary and Brackett's Battalion of Minnesota Calvary compiled [ca. 1865], line 610.
United States Army. Record of Events for Company B of Hatch's Independent Minnesota Calvary, 10 AUG 1863 – APR 1866. Compiled Company Records [ca. 1891], Company Muster Rolls 10 AUG 1863 – APR 1866.
United States Army. Record of Events for Regimental Field and Staff of Hatch's Independent Minnesota Calvary, 10 AUG 1863 – APR 1866. Compiled Regimental Staff Records, Field and Staff Muster Roll SEP 1863 – JUN 1866.
United States Army. Record of Events for Regimental Field and Staff of Hatch's Independent Minnesota Calvary, 10 AUG 1863 – APR 1866. Compiled Regimental Staff Records, Regimental Returns
Minnesota Adjunct General. Reports, 1866, page 3.
Thomas W. Sprague Military Pension Records
Adjutant General of Minnesota. Soldier's Application / Declaration for Invalid Pension (Act of June 27, 1890). Thomas W. Sprague's application, 24 MAY 1904, pages 1 and 2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Circular form 3-447, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 13 JUL 1904.
United States War Department, Military Secretary's Office, Response to Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration) Query for Thomas W Sprague's medical data, 18 JUN 1904, Volunteer Service (Civil War or War with Spain), p. 1 and 2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Circular form 3-115 Surgeon's Certificate, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 110550, 18 OCT 1905.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Circular form 3-289, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 13 JUL 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-370, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, DEC 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-730 Act of June 27, 1890, folder, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-848 Act of June 27, 1890, folder, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-356 Invalid Pension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 24 MAY 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Soldier's Application /Declaration for Increase under the Acts of June 27 1890 and May 9, 1900, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500. 26 JUN 1905.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-357 Act of June 27, 1890, Invalid Pension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500, 08 NOV 1905.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Soldier's Application /Declaration for Increase under the Act of February 6, 1907, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500. 05 MAR 1907.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-364 Invalid Pension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 24 MAY 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 109 ½ Soldier's Application /Declaration for Increase under the Act of February 6, 1907, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500. 01 NOV 1909. Pages 1 and 2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-364 Invalid Pension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 24 MAY 1904. 17 NOV 1909.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-104 Act of May 11, 1912, Claim/Declaration for Pension, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500. 28 MAY 1912. Pages 1 and 2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-364 Invalid Pension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500, 03 JUN 1912. 21 JAN 1913.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Act of May 11, 1912 Pension Approval Form, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500, 31 OCT 1914.
Thomas W Sprague, Letter to Commissioner of Pensions, 04 JAN 1915, requesting replacement pension certificate 1105500
Sprague, Thomas, W. Letter to Com. of Pension notifying that pension increase not received. 09 MAR 1915
Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-389, certificate number 1105500 requesting family information. 26 March 1915.
U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. 1866-1938 Registry, Thomas W. Sprague, no. 20036. Company B, Hatch's Independent Battalion, Minnesota Cavalry, 15 JUL 1863 - 9 JUN 1866
Pacific Branch National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Form 37, Report of death of Thomas W Sprague. 09MAR1923
Caroline M. Cook Sprague Military Pension Records
Sprague, Mrs. Carrie M. Letter to Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 19 JUL 1915.
Sprague, Mrs. Carrie M. Affidavit/ Declaration of Wife under the Act of March 3, 1899, 27 JUL 1915. To Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions.
Sprague, Mrs. Carrie M. Affidavit/ Declaration of Wife under the Act of March 3, 1899, 09 SEP 1915. To Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. P. 1 and 2.
Scott, Phebe A., and Morisse, Henrietta G. Combined Affidavit in the Matter of the Application of Caroline M. Sprague for one-half of the pension money of Thomas W. Sprague, 27 JUL 1915.
Morisse, Henrietta G. Affidavit in the Matter of the Application of Caroline M. Sprague for one-half of the pension money of Thomas W. Sprague, 11 SEP 1915. Pages 1 and 2.
Scott, Phebe A. Affidavit in the Matter of the Application of Caroline M. Sprague for one-half of the pension money of Thomas W. Sprague, 11 SEP 1915. Pages 1 and 2.
Sprague, Caroline M. Letter to Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 10 JUN 1915. Request for 50% of Thomas Sprague's pension
Sprague, Caroline M. Letter to Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 19 JUL 1915. Response to Bureau's Law Division letter dated 17 JUN 1915
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Form 3-005 ,Wife of Pensioner/Declaration of Wife Under Act of March 3, 1899, Caroline M. Sprague. 27 JUL 1915. Pages 1 and 2
Law offices of Bone & Wright. Letter to Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 28 JULY 1915.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Form 3-550, Congressional, Senator Knute Nelson. 06 SEP 1915.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Law Division. Letter to Hon. Knute Nelson, 30 OCT 1915Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Caroline Mary [Cook] Sprague for pension claim 1204912. 25 SEP 1923. Form 3-289a p. 1-5
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Arthur Franklin Sprague for pension claim 1204912. 11 OCT 1923. Form 3-289a p. 1-3
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Caroline Harriet Hill [nee Sprague] for pension claim 1204912. 23 FEB 1924. Form 3-289a p. 1-3
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Deposition of Blanche M. Hardy [nee Hill] for pension claim 1204912. 25 SEP 1923. Form 3-289a pages 1 and 2
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Clarence B Sprague for pension claim 1204912. 14 MAR 1924. Form 3-289a p. 1 and 2
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Bela T Sprague for pension claim 1204912. 14 MAR 1924. Form 3-289a page 1
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Deposition of Deposition of Jane Wells for pension claim 1204912. 23 FEB 1924. Form 3-289a p. 1 and 2
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Form 3-293, Claiment's Final Statement, Caroline M. Sprague. 25 SEP 1923. Pages 1 and 2. Pro-bono assistance from Mr Bressani
United States Senate. Letter to Commission of Pensions from Sen. Burton K. Wheeler. U.S.S. Committee on Indian Affairs, letter, 11 JAN 1924.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Widow's Pension, claim 1204912. 23 MAR 1923 – 29 JUN 1924.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. Veterans Administration). Form 3-267, Act of May 1, 1920, Widow's Pension, claim 1204912. 29 JUN 1924.
Dept of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Special Examiner E. L. Howard. Letter to Commissioner of Pensions reporting on pension claim 1204912. 24 MAR 1924. Letter.
Newspaper Articles
Alexandria Citizen. Communication. Whitcomb, George F. 23 JUL 1922. Page unknown. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Post (Minnesota). Obituary. 29 JAN 1886, page 4, column 3. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Post. Old Times and Old Faces. R.A.D. Vol XIX Thu April 22, 1897, Front Page. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Post. Pioneer Woman of Alexandria Featured in Story Printed in St. Paul Dispatch. 28 JUL 1926. Pages 1 and 10. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Post. Death Notice. 16 DEC 1871. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN. Page 4, col. 1. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Republican. Charlie Sprague Dies. 08 JUL 1896, page 4, column 6. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Douglas County News (Minnesota). Local Items. 19 MAY 1881, page 8, column 2. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Douglas County News (Minnesota). Died. 28 JAN 1886, page 4, column 1. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Douglas County News (Minnesota). Died, 15 November 1883, p. 4. Column 1. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Lake Region Echo. County pioneer recalls events of years ago. Alexandria Citizen,08 APR 1915. Whitcomb, George F. Reprinted in 18 JAN 1989. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. History of Douglas County, second story in series. Thorton, R.S. 29 MAR 1949.
Park Region Echo. Southern Family Was Among Earliest Settlers. 11 MAR 1921, Page 1 Column 7 Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. Old Timer Write of the Early Settlers of Holmes City. 18 MAR 1926, Page 3 Column 5. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. A Little History of the Early Settlers of Holmes City., 23 April 1914 Page 1 Columns 1-2. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. Village of Homes City has Interesting History. Eva Emerson Wold, 23 NOV 1954. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. A Little History of the Early Settlers of Holmes City. 23 April 1914 Page 1 Columns 1-2. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
The Saint Paul Globe. American Express Company Sales of Unclaimed Goods Notice. 4 May 1880. Page 3 Column 5.
www.newspapers.com/clip/40502731/the_saint_paul_globe/?xid=6
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The Minneapolis Star Tribune. American Express Company Sales of Unclaimed Goods Notice. 10 April 1891. Page 2 Column 3. www.newspapers.com/clip/40503007/star_tribune/?xid=637 subscription database
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Thomas W Sprague Dies at Swatelle. 14 MAR 1923. Page 5 Column 3.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40501814/obituary/?xid=637 subscription database accessed DEC 2019
The Cloverdale Reveille. Personal. 06 APR 1917. Page 8 Column 1. www.newspapers.com/clip/40502556/cloverdale_reveille/?xid=63
7
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Voter Registration Rolls and City Directories
California State Library. 1908 Great Register of Voters in Alameda Co. Roll 004 Page 409 Line # 180. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
California State Library. 1912 Great Register of Voters in Sonoma Co. Roll 1 (1900-1912) Page 1295 Line # 162. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
California State Library. 1918 Great Register of Voters in Sonoma Co. Roll 002 (1914-1922) Page 637 Line # 211. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
California State Library. 1920 Great Register of Voters in Sonoma Co. Roll 002 (1914-1922) Page 968 Line # 179. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
California State Library. 1922 Great Register of Voters in Sonoma Co. Roll 002 (1914-1922) Page 1332 Line # 284. http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995. Oakland, California City Directory, 1908. Page 590. Publisher: Polk and Husted, page 1024.
http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995. Oakland, California City Directory, 1909 page. Page 477. Publisher: Polk and Husted, page 824.
http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessed DEC 2019
Maps and Land
Douglas County MN. Land Transfer Book (oldest). Page 106. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Douglas County MN. Land Assessment Roll for Alexandria, 1890. Page 4. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Brown & Wright, Bracher, William. Plat Book of Douglas County Minnesota. Northwest Publishing, 1886. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Walling, Henry Francis. Map of Piscataquis County, Maine, 1858. Lee & Marsh, 1885. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/2012592369/ Accessed Nov 2019
Rcsprinter123. Piscataquis County Maine incorporated and unincorporated areas Dover-Foxcroft (CDP) highlighted. 17 December 2015. Map
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Piscataquis_County_Maine_incorporated_and_unincorporated_areas_Dover-Foxcroft_(CDP)_highlighted.svg accessed NOV 2019
Google Maps. Possible Route from Dover-Foxcroft, ME to Princeton, MN. https://www.google.com/maps accessed NOV 2019
Weiss, Richard. Map of the Red River Trail System with highlights of Thomas Winslow Sprague's Military Service. Nov 2019. Map
Warren, G. K., Cartographer, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and United States Office Of Explorations And Surveys. Military map of Nebraska and Dakota. [Washington, D.C.?: Explorations and Surveys, War Dept., 1857] Map.
https://raremaps.com/gallery/detail/57013/military-map-of-nebraska-and-dakota-by-lieut-gk-warren-warren accessed NOV 2019
Warren, G. K., Cartographer, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and United States Office Of Explorations And Surveys. Military map of Nebraska and Dakota. [Washington, D.C.?: Explorations and Surveys, War Dept., 1857] Map. https://raremaps.com/gallery/detail/57013/military-map-of-nebraska-and-dakota-by-lieut-gk-warren-warren accessed NOV 2019
Warren, G. K., Cartographer, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and United States Office Of Explorations And Surveys. Military map of Nebraska and Dakota. [Washington, D.C.?: Explorations and Surveys, War Dept., 1857] Map https://raremaps.com/gallery/detail/57013/military-map-of-nebraska-and-dakota-by-lieut-gk-warren-warren accessed NOV 2019
Google Maps. Twin Lakes Stockade Location. Map of Southwest quarter of Section 30, township 130, range 50. https://www.google.com/maps accessed NOV 2019
Weiss, Richard. Map of Old Crossing on Otter Tail River. Nov 2019. Map
Weiss, Richard. Map of Old Crossing on Red Lake River. Nov 2019. Map
Schonberg's Atlas of the United States and Canada with Mexico & the West Indies. Schonbergs Map of Minnesota 1867. New York, Schonberg & Co. 1867. San Francisco: H.H. Bancroft & Co. Chicago: Goodspeed & Co. Entered 1867 by Schonberg & Co. New York https://www.davidrumsey.com accessed Nov 2019
Brown & Wright, Bracher, William. Plat map of Holmes City, MN. Plat Book of Douglas County Minnesota. Northwest Publishing, 1886. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society. Map
Chas. Shober & Co. Proprietors, Chicago Lith. Co. Map of Douglas and Pope counties, Minn. A.T. Andreas, Lakeside Building, Chicago, 1874. Page 184 www.davidrumsey.com accessed Nov 2019
Ruger, A, Chicago Lithographing Co, and Ruger & Stoner. Bird's eye view of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota. [Madison, Wis., Ruger & Stoner, 1870] Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/73693451/ accessed NOV 2019
Ruger, A, and Merchant's Lithographing Company. Bird's eye view of the city of Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota. [Chicago, Merchant's Lithographing Co, 1869] Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/73693463/
Google Maps. Northern California Residences. Map of Thomas W Sprague's residences. https://www.google.com/maps accessed NOV 2019
Map of Oakland and vicinity published by the Realty Union [cartographic material]; compiled from optical and other data by T. J. Allan ; T. R. Morcom, draughtsman. https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/kt2m3nd0z2/ accessed DEC 2019
Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Oakland, Alameda County, California. 1903-1911. Oakland Public Library Oakland History Room. Map
Ricksecker, L. E, W.B. Walkup & Co, and Britton & Rey. Official map of Sonoma County, California: compiled from the official maps in the County Assessor's Office, with additions and corrections to June 1st. [San Francisco?: W.B. Walkup, 1900] Map. <https://www.loc.gov/item/2004629224/> accessed NOV 2019
California State Earthquake Investigation Commission. Map of the city of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California showing the portions destroyed by the earthquake of April 18, 1906, and by the fire consequent thereto. Earthquake Investigation Commission. A. Hoen & Co., Baltimore. (Carnegie Institution of Washington. 1908) https://www.davidrumsey.com accessed DEC 2019 [3]
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1839 - 1923 (83 years)
[1, 2] 
: Address
: Location
: City/Town
: County/Shire
: State/Province
: Country
: Not Set
